Merry Christmas!

We have really had a life changing year. I was put on bedrest when I was about 24 weeks along with the twins. It was harder than I thought it would be, I think I left a permanant dent on our couch. I got so stir crazy that I had Brian take me out every now and then. He had to push me around Costco and the zoo in a wheelchair. Definitely a humbling experience for me:) Despite my efforts to stay very still the babies decided to come a few months early (really only 5 weeks early for twins). They were little, but strong. They only had to stay 4 weeks in the hospital, most of the time in the ICN. We considered ourselves super lucky to be out of there so soon. It was a hard time in life..trying to balance our big boys' schedules, be at the hopsital most of the day, heal from delivering them, and deal with the emotions of losing dad just 4 months before all of this happened. I was amazed at my friends' generosity and support they poured out on us. They, along with God's grace carried us through what was probably the toughest 6 months of our lives so far. The babies have been steadily growing and thriving. We feel so blessed that there were no complications with them. They were incredibly healthy little guys for coming as early as they did. They are now 9 months old and are absolutely the lights of all of our lives. Luigi and Heiner are just as in love with them as Brian and I are. They are the greatest big brothers. It gives me such joy to see them play with them. We're still trying to get them to speak to them in Spanish,but they are so used to speaking English they forget to use their Spanish with them. When they do, it is absolute music to my ears.
Luigi is now in 10th grade at Emerald Ridge (where I teach). I love having him at my school with me. He is thriving-getting solid grades, he lettered in Cross country, played club soccer and he is really involved in his aviation class. He is such a good example to his little brothers (and to us much of the time!).
Heiner is in 6th grade at Fruitland. He is all about getting his AR points, playing soccer at recess, and girls no longer have cooties. He is a really strong soccer player, we just finished a 10 month season! He is so much fun to be around. He has grown up so much these past 3 years. I think back when he first arrived and the issues we had, and the boy that he has grown into--it amazes us. He has found his place in this family. He knows he isn't going anywhere and it is obvious in the confidence he exudes. We call him the baby whisperer because he is so amazing with his little brothers.
Brian got hired on with the District as the Facilities Planner Administrator. His 4 year degree is now being put to work. (He still has his Real Estate Licence and plans to do that on the side. ) It has been a huge adjustment- going from being his own boss, to having a set schedule. But it really is a great job..one mile from home, good hours, steady pay, insurance for his 4 kids. We feel that God has been watching out for us.
I'm still teaching Spanish III and IV at ERHS. This year I am working 3 days a week and home with the babies 2 days a week. We have a wonderful nanny who is with the babies on the days that I work.
All in all, a life changing year. We are in awe of the gifts that God has blessed us with this year. I look at my 4 boys and am so GRATEFUL to God that He is giving me the chance to be a mom. I treasure them...they all bring me such joy.
So in this holiday season, I am looking at all the blessings God has poured out onto me this year. I look at my sweet husband kissing our healthy babies, I look at my wonderful teenage son snuggling on the carpet with my faithful, loving dog, I look at my middle son who has realized he really belongs here, I look at myself in the mirror and see a few more lines around my eyes, but in them I see that I am no longer "longing" for something out of reach. I have what my soul has always needed....
Merry Christmas- I love you guys.